Dubai witnessed a star-studded fashion moment on Friday as Shah Rukh Khan stepped into the spotlight to receive the Global Style Icon Award at Dubai Mall, cementing a milestone for both the actor and the city’s growing fashion calendar.

The award ceremony was held at the Armani Hotel Dubai as the grand finale of the two-day Dubai Mall Festival of Fashion. The event transformed the iconic retail destination into a vibrant showcase of fashion, culture, and global influence.

As the first-ever edition of the Dubai Mall Global Fashion Awards, the evening marked a watershed moment for Dubai’s fashion scene, with Shah Rukh Khan as its headline honouree.

Despite receiving one of fashion’s most prestigious honours, the 59-year-old superstar remained characteristically modest about his personal style.

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“I don’t know much about fashion. I only usually wear blue jeans and white shirt,” Khan said during his acceptance speech, drawing warm applause from the audience.

His humility struck a chord, reinforcing the effortless charm that has made him a global icon beyond cinema.

Mohamed Alabbar presents the honour

The Global Style Icon Award was presented by Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar Properties, who described Shah Rukh Khan as the biggest inspiration behind the show. The presentation ended with a heartfelt embrace between the two, symbolising friendship as much as fashion.

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Khan, in his trademark humorous style, joked about the recognition.

“I feel like my award is a little biased. He must have pulled a few strings for me to get this,” he quipped, prompting laughter across the hall.

Night of fashion and friendship

Renowned designer Manish Malhotra, who styled Khan for the evening in a sharp black suit and trousers, also had reason to celebrate. He won the Couture Designer of the Year award, adding to the celebratory mood.

Khan and Malhotra share a long professional history, with the actor wearing the designer’s creations in several films. Reflecting on Alabbar’s own style, Khan joked, “When he’s not in his usual traditional wear, he himself is quite stylish,” triggering playful banter and nostalgic references to a memorable lift scene from one of his films.

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The evening before the awards, Khan attended a private winners’ dinner where he was photographed alongside Alabbar. His outfit reflected his signature understated flair — a black t-shirt and blazer paired with fitted denim cargo trousers, finished with sneakers and a casual beanie.

Whether on the red carpet or at an intimate dinner, Khan’s ability to look polished yet relaxed continues to set trends worldwide.

More than a fashion award

The Global Style Icon Award goes beyond wardrobe choices. It recognises Shah Rukh Khan’s immense influence on global culture and his role in shaping fashion trends across continents.

With one of the largest fan followings in the world, Khan’s style — from traditional Indian attire to Western silhouettes — consistently makes headlines. Over an illustrious career, he has earned numerous international honours, celebrated not just for his films but for his enduring cultural impact.

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The Dubai Mall Festival of Fashion has now carved out a new space on the city’s cultural map. With Shah Rukh Khan named as its first Global Style Icon, the inaugural edition has set a high benchmark for future years.

As the lights dimmed on the Armani Hotel ceremony, one message was clear: Dubai’s fashion ambitions have found a global ambassador in King Khan.